 Bali
is a surfing Mecca. But for some bizarre reason, when I
got to Bali, I stopped surfing. I live in Canggu, a regular
spot for pros and everyone else. I got intimidated. I started
swimming instead. Later, I thought, I will start again.
When I have someone to go with. Two years later, I found
two someones in one day. What motivated me out of non-action
was meeting Jasmine at a Surf Sisters lesson at Learn to
Surf at the Hard Rock. She is one of the only female Indonesian
surfers around, and I have been told she absolutely rips.
She won best Indonesian Female Surfer for Surf Time last
year. I didn’t get to see her surf, however, because
she was my instructor for the lesson, and was busy re-teaching
me the ropes, starting with safety, ocean awareness, and
surf etiquette. Matt who runs Learn to Surf saw Jasmine
skateboarding one day, and invited her to join him. Women
showed an inquisitiveness and started approaching Learn
to Surf when they saw they had a female coach. As a result
of all the positive feedback and increased interest by females,
Surf Sisters was set up almost two years ago. After the
devastating bombing in Kuta, however, the project was postponed
until just two months ago. The motivation behind the all-girl
surf lessons was getting more girls into surfing, and giving
them an opportunity to meet other female surfers. The Surf
Sisters’ lessons provide a safe, comfortable, and
supportive environment, especially for younger girls. It
also is an inviting chance for sisters, friends, and mothers
and daughters to get into the sport together. Matt wanted
to, “get people into a space where they can learn
to surf in a safe environment. In Australia, there are sport
clubs for girls, and I wanted to fill that need in Bali.”
Beginning lessons are given in front of the Hard Rock, in
the un-intimidating whitewash of the sand break. Intermediate
and advanced lessons are offered at other locations. I also
met Kris at our lesson. She is just starting to surf, and
seems stoked about learning with Jasmine. Kris had only
the nicest things to say about her, and after our lesson,
I understand why. Totally down to earth, tri-lingual (Indonesian,
English, French), and only 18, Jasmine is much more confident
and mature than I was at her age. She also knows what she
is talking about. Learn to Surf has the only accredited
instructors on the island, which may help explain their
100% success rate of getting newcomers on their feet. Matt
explains, “After our lessons, people feel confident
to practice on their own and they also leave having the
awareness of where and how to practice.” Well, it
worked for me when nothing else would get me off my towel.
And I got a few new friends out of it. The Surf Sisters
program runs on Saturdays and Sundays from 10-12, and costs
200,000 Rp. for the session. A block of 5 lessons over 5
weekends is only 800,000 Rp. Everything is provided, including
a board, rashie, board shorts, and full insurance. Learn
to Surf offers daily group lessons for $35 USD, private
lessons for $50 USD, kid’s lessons for $25 USD, and
beginner packages starting at $99 for 3 days. Bookings are
essential and can be made by calling (0361)761-869 ext 8116
or at www.balilearntosurf.com.
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